Senior Meteorologist- Portland, Oregon #113896

POWER YOUR GREATNESS!

PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability, inclusion, and belonging.

General Purpose

Provides routine and non-routine impacts based operational weather forecasts to the utility. Leads large projects to develop, deploy and improve operational forecasting methods and models. Guides and leads projects that improve operational decision-making during storm and fire weather events. Participates in cross functional teams, including other meteorologists in and outside the company, data scientists, project and product managers, leadership, and subject matter experts to develop data driven solutions. Oversees a wide range of meteorological data to provide continuously updated weather information from a variety of sources to better manage the impacts of weather on the electric distribution and transmission system to identified vulnerabilities. Takes the role of lead forecaster during periods of critical fire weather conditions and providing strategic meteorological support for operational and engineering projects designed to mitigate wildfire risk. 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and disseminate operational weather reports prior to and during all types of significant weather events.
• Integrate a wide range of meteorological data to provide continuously updated weather information to better manage the impacts of weather on the electric system and identified vulnerabilities.
• Analyze surface observation data, satellite imagery, NEXRAD Doppler radar data, and Numerical Weather Predication data.
• Monitor and report to upper management real-time and forecast weather conditions on a recurring basis during storm events and major construction operational events.
• Provide short and long term seasonal weather forecasts to allow preparedness, and proactive resource availability in the case of pending severe weather.
• Respond to request for short-range weather predication.
• Support the development of analytical tools for various operational organizations and fire mitigation planning.
• Knowledge of numerical weather prediction schemes and configurations.
• Continually maintain and enhance procedures for monitoring the company’s weather network and associated alerting, including the siting of new weather stations.
• Improve all real-time and operational forecasts through process improvements via new technologies and advancements.
• Work closely with engineering and operational organizations to integrate weather information into fire risk mitigation and community resilience projects.
• Serve as a liaison between both the National Weather Service and Geographical Area Coordination Center and the company.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal government agencies (i.e. National Weather Service, CalFire, Oregon Department of Forestry, Utah DNR-FFSL, etc.), universities, and other research groups to advance the science of Meteorology and develop new technologies and communication tools to promote safe, reliable operation of the electric distribution and transmission systems and renewable generation assets.
• May serve as the company’s subject matter expert for all fire weather-related matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Science, Environmental Sciences or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• A minimum of five or more years’ operational weather forecasting experience.
• A minimum of five years’ operational fire weather forecasting experience.
• Mastery of theoretical meteorology, including the dynamics of the atmosphere, mesoscale meteorology, and the application of computer methods of numerical weather analysis and predication.
• Advanced knowledge of fire weather concepts and fire weather forecasting techniques.
• Knowledge of meteorological processes, climatology, forecasting techniques, and weather modal analysis.
• Ability to manage time effectively, perform under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fairly fast paced environment.
• Moderate degree of independent initiative, discretion and sound judgment as well as the ability to integrate company priorities in emergency situations.
• Ability to review, analyze and recommend improvements to systems, processes and measures of performance.
• Ability to assess issues from multiple organizational and functional perspectives and discern an ideal proposal with more optimal results when appropriate.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential danger and communicate as required.
• Ability to translate highly technical meteorological concepts into non-technical terms.
• Excellent leadership skills, strong organizational abilities to oversee multiple and complex issues, and experience presenting complex topics to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to handle daily communication of expectations, mentor others, provide feedback and work Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data management skills, as well as general understanding of GIS techniques.
• Must be proficient in the use of applications and tools (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).
• 24/7 availability to support emergency operations and disasters.

Preferences

• Advanced degree.
• Certified Consulting Meteorologist Certificate.
• Experience forecasting weather in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and/or Rocky Mountains.
• Experience processing meteorological data with various programming languages - Python, NCL, SQL.
• Knowledge of the company’s strategic plan, regulatory and political environment, as well as the company’s policies, procedures, and practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

Req Id: 113896

Company Code: PacifiCorp

Primary Location: Portland, Oregon

Department: Power Delivery

Schedule: Full-Time

Personnel Subarea: Exempt

Hiring Range: $103,800 - $134,200

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary performance incentive bonus of up to 15% of salary.

Benefits: Health care, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, paid short-term and long-term disability, paid bereavement leave. For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.